‘Thank you for the music, Sam’: ‘Soul Man’ singer Sam Moore dies, age 89

Tributes have poured in for singer Sam Moore, known for definitive 1960s hits Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin’ as one half of the duo Sam and Dave, has sadly passed away at the age of 89.

Publicist Jeremy Westby announced that Moore died on Friday, January 10 in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery. No further details were provided

Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore’s musical journey began in the church, where he developed his passion for singing.

He and David Prater crossed paths in 1961, after both performing in clubs during the 1950s, and soon formed a dynamic partnership. Moore, who coached Prater on the lyrics of a song, helped the duo rise to local fame.

In 1965, after signing with Atlantic Records, producer Jerry Wexler sent them to the Stax subsidiary in Memphis, where they began to fuse the call-and-response style of gospel with an electrifying stage presence. The result was a string of soul hits that would stand the test of time, including You Don’t Know Like I Know, When Something is Wrong With My Baby, and I Thank You.

Despite their success, Moore and Prater’s partnership was strained by frequent arguments. In a 2006 interview with the Associated Press, Moore revealed that a drug addiction, which he overcame in 1981, contributed to the tension and made record executives hesitant to offer him a fresh start. After the duo split in 1970, neither artist experienced another major hit.

As news of Moore’s passing spread, fans and fellow music legends paid tribute, reflecting on his incredible career.

RIP to a great Soul Man and a great friend, Sam Moore!

Condolences to his fam and friends who are many.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️#sammoore #samanddave #friend #royalty #king #musicislife #magical #randb #musician #supporter #humantarian #1m #essence #heart #heartbroken #hero #realdeal pic.twitter.com/1XjX0dviJX

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) January 11, 2025

I know there’s so much heartbreak and devastation going on in southern California right now, but I have to share the passing of Sam Moore. The original soul man has left us to join his many brothers and sisters in the afterlife. This once in a lifetime experience i had rehearsing… pic.twitter.com/UT20GwZNis

— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) January 12, 2025

The Estate of Isaac Hayes extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Sam Moore, of Sam & Dave.

Sam’s voice was a powerful force of nature and unforgettable.

He brought Isaac’s songs like Hold On, I’m Comin’, Soul Man, and many others to life.

Rest well Sam. 🕊️♥️ pic.twitter.com/GtDnh8xUQf

— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) January 11, 2025

Devastated to hear we’ve lost the great Sam Moore, from that electric Atlantic/Stax duo, Sam & Dave.

“It was our passion,” Sam told me in London in 2009. “When we got on that stage, we would do anything to please the audience.”

Thank you for the music, Sam.

Now watch this!👇 pic.twitter.com/nuQ9OLwWMH

— Simon Harper (@Simon__Harper) January 11, 2025

Sam Moore, the Soulman, one of the pioneers and greatest singers ever has left us..
I’m not saddened as much as I felt incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be in his presence.
Having had the opportunity to perform and even record with Sam was humbling and an honor
But… pic.twitter.com/5skky8n0AV

— Jon Bon Jovi (@jonbonjovi) January 11, 2025

Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren.

-with AP.